Clamping Arrangement for Valves in Reciprocating Compressor Cylinders

Abstract

The present disclosure generally relates to a clamping arrangement for a valve assembly (e.g., a suction or discharge valve) of a reciprocating compressor. More specifically, the present disclosure describes a clamping arrangement for clamping a valve assembly to a cylinder. The clamping arrangement may include a valve assembly, a clamping mechanism and a plurality of fasteners for directly securing the valve assembly to a cylinder of the compressor. The clamping mechanism has no direct contact or interaction with a valve cover which seals a valve cage from the surrounding environment. As such, the need for a valve gland is negated. In use, the clamping mechanism may be in the form of a clamping ring or an integrated flange for securing the valve assembly directly to the cylinder by the plurality of fasteners. The clamping arrangement may further include an improved seal located between the valve assembly and the cylinder.

1 . A clamping device for securing a suction or discharge valve assembly to a cylinder in a reciprocating compressor, the valve assembly at least partially disposed within a valve cage sealed from the surrounding environment by a valve cover and seal, the clamping device comprising:
 a clamping mechanism for securing the valve assembly to the cylinder,   wherein the clamping mechanism is free of contact with the valve cover.   
     
     
         2 . The clamping device of  claim 1 , wherein the clamping mechanism includes a clamping ring for securing the suction or discharge valve assembly directly to the cylinder. 
     
     
         3 . The clamping device of  claim 2 , wherein the clamping ring is configured to extend around, and contact, a perimeter portion of the suction or discharge valve assembly. 
     
     
         4 . The clamping device of  claim 2 , wherein the clamping ring includes a plurality of openings for receiving a plurality of fasteners for securing the clamping ring, and hence the suction or discharge valve assembly, to the cylinder. 
     
     
         5 . The clamping device of  claim 1 , wherein the clamping mechanism is integrated with the suction or discharge valve assembly. 
     
     
         6 . The clamping device of  claim 5 , wherein the clamping mechanism comprises a clamping flange that is integral to the suction or discharge valve assembly, the clamping flange for securing the suction or discharge valve assembly directly to the cylinder. 
     
     
         7 . The clamping device of  claim 6 , wherein the integrated clamping flange includes a plurality of openings for receiving a plurality of fasteners for securing the integrated clamping flange, and hence the suction or discharge valve assembly, to the cylinder. 
     
     
         8 . The clamping device of  claim 4 , or  7 , wherein the plurality of fasteners are elongated fasteners that extend adjacent to, but do not contact, the valve cover. 
     
     
         9 . The clamping device of any of the preceding claims, further comprising a seal located between the valve assembly and the cylinder, wherein the seal includes a zig-zag or wavy pattern such that a portion of the seal lies adjacent to a perimeter of the valve assembly between fastener openings while a portion of the seal lies interior of the fastener opening. 
     
     
         10 . A method for securing a valve assembly to a cylinder of a reciprocating compressor, the method comprising the steps of:
 placing the valve assembly into a valve cage;   securing the valve assembly to the cylinder via a clamping mechanism having a plurality of openings for receiving a first plurality of fasteners; and   securing a valve cover to the valve cage, the valve cover having a second plurality of openings for receiving a plurality of cover fasteners;   wherein the clamping mechanism and the first plurality of fasteners have no contact with the valve cover.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the clamping mechanism is a clamping ring that extends around a perimeter of the valve assembly. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the clamping mechanism is a flange integrated into the valve assembly.